Board approves MOU with Seniors in Service to place foster grandparents in schools
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Summary
Trustees unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Seniors in Service to expand the Foster Grandparent Program, which places volunteers age 55+ in schools to provide tutoring, mentoring and small-group supports.
The Douglas County School Board voted unanimously to approve a memorandum of understanding with Seniors in Service to place foster-grandparent volunteers in local schools.
Representatives from Seniors in Service described the Foster Grandparent Program as an AmeriCorps Seniors initiative that places volunteers aged 55 and older in schools and community sites to work one-on-one with students who need extra academic or social support. Program staff said volunteers receive background checks, orientation and optional small stipends for low-income participants. They said volunteers typically support reading, basic skills practice, small groups and mentoring; activities and schedules are agreed with school principals.
Trustees discussed background-check timing and the district’s volunteer-screening procedures. Seniors in Service said they conduct federal- and state-level checks and that local fingerprinting timelines (sheriff’s office LiveScan) can take several weeks; the volunteer group said it will work with the district on reimbursement procedures for any required fingerprint fees.
A motion to approve the MOU was made by Trustee Erin Miller and seconded by Trustee Susan Jansen; the board approved the agreement unanimously. Trustees and program staff asked the volunteer coordinator to continue outreach so additional volunteers may be placed across more schools next year.
